Situated in the heart of London’s West End, Prezzo St Martin’s Lane offers a modern Italian dining experience just a stone’s throw away from some of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. With its light, elegant interior and dark wood furniture, the atmosphere strikes a balance between cosy and contemporary. The restaurant caters to a diverse clientele, making it an ideal spot for birthdays, celebrations, date nights, family outings, and group dining.
The Menu
A Contemporary Take on Italian Cuisine Prezzo’s menu is varied and extensive, offering classic Italian-style dishes with a modern twist. Their selection includes pizzas, pastas, grilled dishes, and speciality folded calzone pizzas, along with gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options. The children’s menu ensures that younger diners are also well catered for, and the wine list provides ample choice for those looking to enjoy a glass alongside their meal.
Diego’s Verdict: A British Take on Italian Classics
Our youngest food critic, 18 yea-old Anglo-Italian Diego, sampled a selection from the à la carte menu and shared his thoughts:
- Antipasti – Pizza Bread & Gamberetti Starter: The pizza bread-based antipasti were generous and satisfying, making for a great sharing option. The gamberetti starter, served with freshly made bread, was another standout dish, highlighting the restaurant’s strength in seafood offerings.
- Carbonara: While enjoyable, this dish is not a traditional carbonara. Unlike the authentic Roman version, which is made with eggs, pecorino, guanciale, and black pepper, Prezzo’s take is clearly tailored to British palates. The look, texture, and flavours are noticeably different, and a Roman diner might not immediately recognise it as a carbonara. That being said, it was a tasty dish in its own right.
- Ravioli with Crab Filling & Gamberetti Sauce: A highlight of the meal, this dish was both visually appealing and delicious. The delicate pasta parcels were filled with rich crab meat, while the gamberetti sauce and fresh rocket added layers of flavour that complemented the dish beautifully.
- Tiramisù: Much like the carbonara, the tiramisù was a contemporary reinvention rather than the traditional Italian recipe. Featuring fudge-flavoured layers, it strayed from the usual coffee, mascarpone, and cocoa combination. However, despite its deviation from tradition, it was still a decadent and delightful dessert.
Final Thoughts
A crowd-pleasing Italian eatery Prezzo St Martin’s Lane offers a solid Italian dining experience with high-quality ingredients, well-presented dishes, and a welcoming atmosphere. While purists may find some dishes too modernised compared to their authentic Italian counterparts, the flavours, portions, and overall dining experience make it an appealing choice for both tourists and locals.
Moreover, the restaurant’s inclusive approach – with gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options – ensures that there’s something for everyone. The real takeaway is that Prezzo delivers an enjoyable meal that families and casual diners will appreciate.
If you’re looking for a well-located, stylish Italian eatery that puts a contemporary spin on classic dishes, Prezzo St Martin’s Lane is a solid choice. After all, good food and great company are what truly matter in dining.